Air Force vs. New Mexico Prediction, Game Preview

Air Force (8-3) has already wrapped up the Mountain West’s Mountain division, while New Mexico (6-5) is already bowl eligible after beating Boise State a few weeks ago. Check out the Air Force vs. New Mexico prediction and game preview.

Air Force vs. New Mexico Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 10:15 pm
Venue: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM

Network: ESPNU

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Why Air Force Will Win

Can New Mexico stop the run? Not really. It did a stunningly good job against both Utah State and Boise State, but Colorado State ran well, cranking out 221 yards and two scores, and San Jose State ran for 317. Giving up huge days on the ground hasn’t been a killer for the Lobos, but even Hawaii ran for over 200 yards on this defensive front – the Falcons should be able to move the ball without much of a problem when they get outside on the UNM linebackers. The Falcon run defense that’s allowing just 118 yards per should make a huge impact.

Why New Mexico Will Win

Could Air Force be looking ahead to next week? That’s not the mentality of the program, but there are much bigger fish to fry with the Mountain West championship battle against San Diego State coming up. At home, can the New Mexico running game get rolling? The Falcons have been tremendous against the run over the second half of the season and have only allowed one team – Navy – to crank up over 200. This is a game for power for New Mexico – it has to line up and blast away from the start and control the clock, keeping the Falcons off the field.

Player Who Matters

Can New Mexico RB Jhurell Pressley come up with a huge Senior Day? The team’s top rusher last year has been a part of a rotation throughout the year, but this might be his game. He ran for 148 yards and two scores on just 11 carries against Air Force in last year’s 35-31 loss, and he’s coming off two good performances with 207 yards and three scores over the last two games on just 15 carries. He’ll be more of a workhorse.

What’s Going To Happen?

New Mexico runs the ball well, Air Force does it better. Don’t expect any sort of a letdown as the Falcons come up with a good performance going into the title game.